‘AGT’: Who Is Travis Garland? All About 2026 Contestant & His ‘DWTS’ Connection

The Judges’ Callback Round begins on the August 4 episode of America’s Got Talent, which means a group of contestants hand-selected by the judges will get another chance to perform for their shot at making the Live Shows. One of Simon Cowell‘s callback acts is Travis Garland.

Travis’ audition drew mixed reviews from the judges. Howie Mandel thought it was too “theatrical,” while Mel B. was blown away. Sofia Vergara thought Travis’ voice was “spectacular,” but wished he sang another song, and Cowell admittedly understood what put Mandel off about the rendition of “Dream On.”

In the end, Vergara, Mel B., and Cowell voted to send Travis through to the next portion of the competition, but whether he’ll actually make the Quarterfinals will depend on his Callback Round performance. Scroll down to learn more about the Season 21 hopeful.

Who is Travis Garland?

Travis is a seasoned singer who got his start as a teenager. He won a nationwide acting competition at 13 years old and moved from Texas to Los Angeles. He was signed to a boy band shortly after that (more on that below).

The band did not last long, but Travis continued to pursue a solo music career after they disbanded, including releasing a song with JoJo. He released his debut album in 2013 and his most recent album, Western Feels, in 2025.

What boy band was Travis Garland in?

Travis was a member of the boy band NLT, which stands for Not Like Them. The group also consisted of Glee star Kevin McHale, Justin Joseph “JJ” Thorne, and Vahe “V” Sevani.

The singer was 15 years old when he joined the group and 17 when they were signed to Interscope Records. NLT toured with the Pussycat Dolls and worked with Ryan Tedder, Timbaland, and more. The group dissolved in 2009.

What does Travis Garland do on Dancing With the Stars?

While America’s Got Talent is the first show really putting Travis in the spotlight, he’s no stranger to competition television. That’s because he is a vocalist for Dancing With the Stars.

Travis landed the gig after his pal Mark Ballas, a pro dancer on the show, asked him to come sing Ed Sheeran‘s “Make It Rain” for one of his performances in 2015. He then landed a permanent gig as a singer, which he’s held ever since.

Is Travis Garland married?

Yes, Travis is married to Erika Garland, a professional dancer who is currently on tour with Ricky Martin. The two tied the knot in June 2022.

Travis also previously dated Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day. They appeared on Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars in 2015, and broke up while the show was airing. Although they briefly got back together, they wound up splitting again for good eventually.

America’s Got Talent, Season 21, Tuesdays, 8/7c, NBC

Dancing With the Stars, Season 35 Premiere, Tuesday, September 15, 8/7c, ABC